ConfrontingOur Idols

LENT DAILY2020 Christ Church Devotional

Lent Daily © 2020 by Christ Church Plano www.ChristChurchPlano.org/Lent

In the liturgy for Ash Wednesday, the Book of Common Prayer invites Christians to an annual “observance of a holy Lent: by self-examination and repentance.” This Lent, we at Christ Church are focusing on the 2nd Commandment: the sin of Idolatry.

What comes to mind when you hear the word “idol”? Statues of foreign gods? Singing competitions? The Anglican Catechism helpfully points out that “anything can become an idol if I look to it for salvation from my sin or comfort amid my circumstances. If I place my ultimate hope in anything but God, it is an idol.” (To Be A Christian, Q. 279).

The world, the flesh, and the devil tempt us to put our hope in a variety of different things. Lent Daily 2020 calls our attention to six different idols that pervade our present culture. In addition to an appointed Gospel and Psalm from Holy Scripture, each day offers a prompt for self-examination to confront our personal idols. Use this as an opportunity for honest personal reflection before God. Each day also offers a collect from the Book of Common Prayer, reminding us to always respond to self-examination with prayer.

In the effort to foster further conversation and discipline, we have developed a compan-ion podcast for this devotional. The podcast will be posted each Thursday and I hope you will join me as we more deeply explore how these idols shape our lives. The podcast series is available at www.ChristChurchPlano.org/Lent

Self-examination may prompt some difficult questions and issues. If you need further guidance or encouragement this Lent, I strongly encourage you to reach out to a mem-ber of our church clergy. We are here to help.

I pray that the Lord Jesus will give us all abundant grace as we journey together and grow in Christ this Lent.

�����Fr. Paul Donison Rector & Dean of Christ Church

Listen to the companion podcast:

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Understanding Idols

Ash Wednesday, February 26Luke 18:9-14Psalm 38

Examine. Idolatry is about valuing created things more than the creator. What cre-ated things do you value? Which created things threaten to replace or diminish your love of God?

Prayer. Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made, and you for-give the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Understanding Idols

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Understanding Idols

Friday, February 28Matthew 12:22-endPsalm 144

Examine. Idols demand our allegiance. Who or what demands your loyalty? How do you demonstrate your allegiance to the world?

Prayer. Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Understanding Idols

Thursday, February 27Matthew 12:1-21Psalm 140

Examine. Idols tempt us to put our trust in things other than God. Who or what do you trust? Why? Are these persons or things worthy of your trust?

Prayer. O God, the light of the minds that know you, the life of the souls that love you, and the strength of the wills that serve you: Help us so to know you that we may truly love you, and so to love you that we may fully serve you, whom to serve is perfect free-dom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Understanding Idols

Saturday, February 29Luke 24:44-53Psalm 90

Examine. Idols often offer us rest and reprieve from the world. How do you rest? What kinds of things do you spend your time doing? What would it look like to honor God through your rest?

Prayer. Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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The Idol of Money

First Sunday of Lent, March 1Matthew 13:1-23Psalm 146

Examine. Jesus warned about the dangers of making an idol out of money (Matt. 6:24; Mark 12:41-44; Acts 4:36-5:11). How are you tempted to spend your money? What things do you buy that are not good for you and your soul?

Prayer. Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations, and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Idol of Money

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The Idol of Money

Tuesday, March 3Matthew 13:44-endPsalm 1, 2

Examine. How does your money and other assets contribute to the well-being of others in your community and nation? How might you use or invest your money in ways that promote greater freedom and justice?

Prayer. Almighty God, you created us in your own image: Grant us grace to contend fearlessly against evil and to make no peace with oppression; and help us to use our freedom rightly in the establishment of justice in our communities and among the na-tions, to the glory of your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Idol of Money

Monday, March 2Matthew 13:24-43Psalm 148

Examine. Why is money important to you? What kinds of things do you spend money on? How does your use of money align with the priorities of God’s kingdom?

Prayer. O God, your blessed Son became poor for our sake, and chose the Cross over the kingdoms of this world: Deliver us from an inordinate love of worldly things, that we may seek you with singleness of heart, behold your glory by faith, and attain to the rich-es of your everlasting kingdom, where we shall be united with our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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The Idol of Money

Thursday, March 5Matthew 15:1-28Psalm 9

Examine. Are you in debt? Do you live beyond your means? How can you be a better steward of the gifts God has given you?

Prayer. Heavenly Father, we remember before you those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Guide the people of this land so to use our public and private wealth that all may find suitable and fulfilling employment, and receive a just reward for their labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Idol of Money

Wednesday, March 4Matthew 14Psalm 5, 6

Examine. Do you give generously to the church? Do you financially support those who teach and disciple others? Do you give a biblical tithe (10% of your income)?

Prayer. O God, you led your holy apostles to ordain ministers in every place: Grant that your Church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, may choose suitable persons for the ministry of Word and Sacrament, and may uphold them in their work for the extension of your kingdom; through the great Shepherd and Bishop of our souls, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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The Idol of Money

Saturday, March 7Matthew 16:13-endPsalm 12, 13, 14

Examine. How much money do you spend on recreation and entertainment? Does this investment bring you rest?

Prayer. O heavenly Father, you have filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold your gracious hand in all your works; that, rejoicing in your whole creation, we may learn to serve you with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Idol of Money

Friday, March 6Matthew 15:29—16:12Psalm 8, 11

Examine. Do you consider yourself generous? Do you use your wealth to help and re-lieve the poor? Do you give regularly from your own resources to those in need? If so, what do you give to whom? If not, what needs in our world can you meet with your money?

Prayer. O God, almighty and merciful, you heal the broken-hearted, and turn the sadness of the sorrowful to joy, Let your fatherly goodness be upon all whom you have made. Re-member in pity all those who are this day destitute, homeless, elderly, infirm, or forgotten. Bless the multitude of your poor. Lift up those who are cast down. Mightily befriend inno-cent sufferers, and sanctify to them the endurance of their wrongs. Cheer with hope all who are discouraged and downcast, and by your heavenly grace preserve from falling those whose poverty tempts them to sin. Though they be troubled on every side, suffer them not to be distressed; though they are perplexed, save them from despair. Grant this, O Lord, for the love of him who for our sakes became poor, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

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The Idol of Success

Second Sunday of Lent, March 8Matthew 17:1-23Psalm 18:1-20

Examine. Success can prevent us from thankfully receiving God’s good gifts (Deu-teronomy 8:11-17; Matthew 6:19-21; 23:25-28). How do you define success? Who is the most successful person you can think of? What makes them successful?

Prayer. Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help our-selves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities that may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Idol of Success

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The Idol of Success

Tuesday, March 10Matthew 18:15-endPsalm 22

Examine. What are the habits and practices of a successful person? How might these habits and practices distract you from Christ and his kingdom?

Prayer. Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Idol of Success

Monday, March 9Matthew 17:24—18:14Psalm 19

Examine. How does your profession or vocation measure and reward success? Are you a successful worker? How has your work contributed to the kingdom of God?

Prayer. O Lord Jesus Christ, in your earthly life you shared our toil and hallowed our labor: Guide those who maintain the commerce and industries of this land, and give to all who labor pride in their work, a just reward, and joy both in supplying need and in serving you; who with the Father and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, world without end. Amen.

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The Idol of Success

Thursday, March 12Matthew 19:16—20:16Psalm 26, 28

Examine. What role does education play in your idea of success? How does this vision of success compare with the kingdom of God?

Prayer. O God, the protector of all those who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy, that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal that we lose not the things eternal; grant this, heavenly Father, for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Idol of Success

Wednesday, March 11Matthew 19:1-15Psalm 25

Examine. As you consider your current or future retirement, how do you define suc-cess in that season? How could your retirement be a season for gospel work?

Prayer. O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you: Mercifully accept our prayers, and because, through the weakness of our mortal nature, we can do no good thing without you, grant us the help of your grace, that in keeping your commandments we may please you both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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The Idol of Success

Saturday, March 14Matthew 21:1-22Psalm 34

Examine. Was Jesus a successful person? Why or why not? How might the success-es of Jesus run contrary to the successes praised by this world?

Prayer. Guide and direct us, O Lord, always and everywhere with your holy light, that we may discern with clear vision your presence among us, and partake with worthy intention of your divine mysteries. We ask this for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

The Idol of Success

Friday, March 13Matthew 20:17-endPsalm 29, 30

Examine. Who are the people in your life to whom you confess your failures? When are you tempted to hide your failures How might your failures reveal the grace of God to others?

Prayer. O Lord, you have taught us that without love, all our deeds are worth nothing: Send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of charity, the true bond of peace and of all virtues, without which whoever lives is counted dead before you; grant this for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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The Idol of Relationships

Third Sunday of Lent, March 15Matthew 21:23-endPsalm 32, 36

Examine. Relationships help shape our identity and make it difficult to follow Jesus (Matthew 10:35-39; 1 Cor. 7:29-35). What relationships are most important to you? What roles do you fulfill in these relationships?

Prayer. Heavenly Father, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you: Look with compassion upon the heartfelt desires of your servants, and purify our disordered affections, that we may behold your eternal glory in the face of Christ Jesus; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Idol of Relationships

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The Idol of Relationships

Tuesday, March 17Matthew 22:34—23:12Psalm 40

Examine. Do you have relationships people in your neighborhood? How are your neighbors similar to or different from you? In what ways could you love your neigh-bors—even those who are different from you—more?

Prayer. Increase, O God, the spirit of neighborliness among us, that in peril we may uphold one another, in suffering tend to one another, and in homelessness, loneliness, or exile befriend one another. Grant us brave and enduring hearts that we may strength-en one another, until the disciplines and testing of these days are ended, and you again give peace in our time; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Idol of Relationships

Monday, March 16Matthew 22:1-33Psalm 37:1-17

Examine. To what groups do you belong? How do these groups help you? How do they hurt you?

Prayer. O God, you made us in your own image, and you have redeemed us through your Son Jesus Christ: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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The Idol of Relationships

Thursday, March 19Matthew 24:1-28Psalm 45

Examine. As you seek to love and honor your family (parents, children, siblings, etc.), how can your family at times become an idol? How might the needs of your family dis-tract you from the love of God and neighbor?

Prayer. O God, who from the family of your servant David raised up Joseph to be the guardian of your incarnate Son and the husband of his virgin mother: Give us grace to imitate his uprightness of life and his obedience to your commands; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Idol of Relationships

Wednesday, March 18Matthew 23:13-endPsalm 42, 43

Examine. Who are your enemies? What groups or persons are you afraid of? How often do you pray for these people?

Prayer. Our God, in whom we trust: Strengthen us not to regard overmuch who is for us or who is against us, but to see to it that we be with you in everything we do. Amen.

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The Idol of Relationships

Saturday, March 21Matthew 25:1-30Psalm 50

Examine. How often do you take time for solitude with the Lord? What would it take to make solitude a more regular part of your life?

Prayer. O God, in the course of this busy life, give us times of refreshment and peace; and grant that we may so use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds, that our spirits may be opened to the goodness of your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Idol of Relationships

Friday, March 20Matthew 24:29-endPsalm 47, 48

Examine. What do you hope for your loved ones and communities? In what ways do you seek to control and influence these relationship?

Prayer. Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us [especially ] to your never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come, knowing that you are doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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The Idol of Leaders

Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 22Matthew 25:31-endPsalm 52, 53, 54

Examine. Leaders have tremendous influence over our lives and can challenge our allegiance to Christ (John 7:11-13; Romans 13:1-14). Who do you consider to be a good leader? What makes that person a good leader? Why do good leaders go bad?

Prayer. Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Idol of Leaders

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The Idol of Leaders

Tuesday, March 24Matthew 26:31-56Psalm 59

Examine. What public leaders (political and corporate) do you oppose? How might your opposition to these persons and their ideas prevent you from loving God and neighbor?

Prayer. Almighty God, our heavenly Father, send down on those who hold public office the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice; that with steadfast purpose they may faithfully serve in their offices to promote the well-being of all people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Idol of Leaders

Monday, March 23Matthew 26:1-30Psalm 56, 57

Examine. How do you hear from today’s leaders? What media do you regularly con-sume (TV, radio, podcasts, internet)? How does your consumption of news media affect your view of leadership?

Prayer. Almighty God, your truth endures from age to age: Direct in our time, we pray, those who speak where many listen and write what many read; that they may speak your truth to make the heart of this people wise, its mind discerning, and its will righ-teous; to the honor of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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The Idol of Leaders

Thursday, March 26Matthew 26:57-endPsalm 61, 62

Examine. In what arenas of your life are you leading? In what arenas are you being led? How can you pray for those who lead you and those whom you lead?

Prayer. Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ in his earthly life shared our toil and hallowed our labor: Be present with your people where they work; make those who carry on the industries and commerce of this land responsive to your will; and give us all a right satisfaction in what we do, and a just return for our labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Idol of Leaders

Wednesday, March 25Luke 1:26-38Psalm 113, 138

Examine. Who do you turn to for counsel and advice? Whose wisdom do you trust? Who helps you lead your family?

Prayer. Pour your grace into our hearts, O Lord, that we who have known the incar-nation of your Son Jesus Christ, announced by an angel to the Virgin Mary, may by his Cross and passion be brought to the glory of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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The Idol of Leaders

Saturday, March 28Matthew 27:27-56Psalm 69:1-18

Examine. What practices and habits help me listen better to Jesus’ voice of leader-ship in my life. What voices do I need to silence today in order to hear Him better?

Prayer. Most merciful Father, we humbly thank you for all your gifts so freely be-stowed upon us: for life and health and safety, for strength to work and leisure to rest, for all that is beautiful in creation and in human life; but above all we thank you for our spiritual mercies in Christ Jesus our Lord; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Idol of Leaders

Friday, March 27Matthew 27:1-26Psalm 68:1-18

Examine. What kind of leader is Jesus? How does His leadership challenge your definition of good leadership? How does this challenge who you follow?

Prayer. O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may be-come partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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The Idol of Bodies

Fifth Sunday of Lent, March 29Matthew 27:57—28 endPsalm 66

Examine. Jesus came not just to save our souls but to heal our bodies (Matthew 5:29-30; 6:22-25; Romans 6:6-14). What makes a person physically attractive? How does our society measure beauty? Why do you think outward beauty is so important to our culture?

Prayer. Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of this world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Idol of Bodies

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The Idol of Bodies

Tuesday, March 31Mark 1:14-31Psalm 74

Examine. How often do you experience physical pain? Do you or one of your loved ones suffer from a chronic health condition? In what ways does our health shape our faith in God?

Prayer. Heavenly Father, sustainer of our life and source of our hope: Comfort and relieve all who endure long-term illness or persistent handicap. Give your grace to all who minister to their needs, that they may be strengthened in their weakness and have confidence in your loving care; through him who knows our weakness and has shared our sorrows, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Idol of Bodies

Monday, March 30Mark 1:1-13Psalm 71

Examine. Are you afraid of getting older? What about aging concerns you most?

Prayer. Look with mercy, O God our Father, on all whose increasing years bring them weakness, distress, or isolation. Provide for them homes of dignity and peace; give them understanding helpers, and the willingness to accept help; and as their strength dimin-ishes, increase their faith and their assurance of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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The Idol of Bodies

Thursday, April 2Mark 2:1-22Psalm 78:1-18

Examine. How much time and money do you spend on your physical appearance and style? What are you hoping people see when they look at you?

Prayer. O God, the source of all health: So fill my heart with faith in your love, that with calm expectancy I may make room for your power to possess me, and gracefully accept your healing; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Idol of Bodies

Wednesday, April 1Mark 1:32-endPsalm 75, 76

Examine. What fears do you have about your mental health or the mental health of those you love? How can you pray into these anxieties? Who can you reach out to for support?

Prayer. Almighty God, whose Son took upon himself the afflictions of your people: Re-gard with your tender compassion those suffering from anxiety, depression, or mental illness bear their sorrows and their cares; supply all their needs; help them to put their whole trust and confidence in you; and restore them to strength of mind and cheerful-ness of spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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The Idol of Bodies

Saturday, April 4Mark 3:13-endPsalm 81

Examine. When was the last time you gave thanks to God for simply being alive? Regardless of your health, how does your body reflect the glory of God?

Prayer. O heavenly Father, you have filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold your gracious hand in all your works; that, rejoicing in your whole creation, we may learn to serve you with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Idol of Bodies

Friday, April 3Mark 2:23—3:12Psalm 78:41-73

Examine. What ways are you intentionally or unintentionally sabotaging your health? What habits and practices can help you better steward your health?

Prayer. Lord Jesus, Master Carpenter of Nazareth, on the Cross through wood and nails you wrought our full salvation: Wield well your tools in this, your workshop, that we who come to you rough-hewn may be fashioned into a truer beauty by your hand; who with the Father and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, world without end. Amen.

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The Idol of Power

Palm Sunday, April 5Mark 4:1-34Psalm 84

Examine. Jesus use his power differently than the powers of this world and calls us to do likewise (Luke 22:24-27; Philippians 2:1-11). How did Jesus use his influence? How did Jesus interact with those in power in his day? How should the ministry of Jesus shape how we use our power?

Prayer. Almighty and everlasting God, in your tender love for us you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon himself our nature, and to suffer death upon the Cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and come to share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Idol of Power

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The Idol of Power

Tuesday, April 7Mark 5:21-endPsalm 89:1-18

Examine. How do you participate in the sufferings of Jesus? How does your suffering reveal his glory today?

Prayer. O Lord our God, whose blessed Son gave his back to be whipped and did not hide his face from shame and spitting: Give us grace to accept joyfully the sufferings of the present time, confident of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Idol of Power

Monday, April 6Mark 4:35—5:20Psalm 86, 87

Examine. What does it mean for Christians to “walk in the way of the Cross?” How is a cross-shaped life a demonstration of true power in our world?

Prayer. Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walk-ing in the way of the Cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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The Idol of Power

Maundy Thursday, April 9John 13Psalm 41

Examine. How can the Eucharist bring transforming power into your life? Why is this celebration of the Last Supper so significant to you?

Prayer. Almighty Father, whose most dear Son, on the night before he suffered, insti-tuted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it in thankful remembrance of Jesus Christ our Savior, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Idol of Power

Wednesday, April 8Mark 6:1-29Psalm 90

Examine. How is Jesus’ humility a demonstration of His might? As you prepare to enter into the next three days, how does the image of Jesus washing his disciples feet convict you regarding your use of power?

Prayer. Assist us mercifully with your grace, Lord God of our salvation, that we may enter with joy upon the meditation of those mighty acts by which you have promised us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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The Idol of Power

Holy Saturday, April 11Luke 23:50-56Psalm 88

Examine. As you rest with Jesus in the tomb, how do you await with patience and faith the coming of God’s power in your life?

Prayer. O God, Creator of heaven and earth: Grant that, as the crucified body of your dear Son was laid in the tomb and rested on this holy Sabbath, so we may await with him the coming of the third day, and rise with him to newness of life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Idol of Power

Good Friday, April 10John 18Psalm 40

Examine. In what ways does the cross of Christ call you to surrender your power for the sake of others?

Prayer. Almighty God, we beseech you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the Cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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The Idol of Power

Easter Sunday, April 12Luke 24:13-43Psalm 118

Examine. As you complete your Lenten journey and arrive at the day of Resurrection, from what dead idols has the risen Lord set you free? With whom can you gather and sing your Alleluias for this freedom today?

Prayer. Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may, by your life-giving Spirit, be delivered from sin and raised from death; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Ash Wednesday, February 26 7 a.m. Chapel Service 12 & 7 p.m. Sanctuary Services

Palm Sunday Weekend, April 4 & 5 10 a.m. Saturday Children’s Family Easter Celebration Regular Service Times

Maundy Thursday, April 9 7 p.m. Remembering the Last Supper Foot Washing & Stripping of the Altar

Good Friday, April 10 12 noon Stations of the Cross 7 p.m. Liturgy of the Passion

Holy Saturday, April 11 5:30 p.m. Easter Eve Sanctuary Service

Easter Sunday, April 12 7 a.m. Easter Morning Chapel 9 & 11 a.m. Easter Sunday Sanctuary Services